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Key Moment

Boston and Philadelphia went back and forth during the first quarter of Friday night’s game in Newark, Del., with the C’s taking a 21-20 lead into the second quarter.

Unfortunately for Boston, the second period was a completely different story.

The C’s got off to a good start, trailing 30-29 after Brandon Bass hit a pull-up jumper with 9:07 remaining in the half. But that’s when the wheels fell off.

Philadelphia scored the next six points and 22 of the next 28 points overall. Included in that stretch was a 16-2 run. The Sixers jumped ahead by as many as 18 points before the C’s pulled to within 54-38 at halftime.

That 16-point deficit proved to be too much for Boston to overcome. The C’s did put together a solid run during the fourth quarter to bring the game to within five points. That marked the second consecutive game in which Boston staged a big comeback, but it also marked the second consecutive comeback that fell short.

Philadelphia bumped its lead back up to double-digits in the final minutes and comfortably grabbed a 97-85 victory, its second of the preseason.

Key Box Score Line

Jared Sullinger was undoubtedly the top Celtic on the floor Friday night in Newark, Del. He did it all and was a big reason why Boston was able to stage a comeback for the second consecutive game.

Sullinger led the team in both points (19) and plus/minus rating (plus-10). He also grabbed nine rebounds, which trailed only Brandon Bass’ in the game. Sullinger shot 7-of-15 from the floor while playing slightly more than 23 minutes.

The most important numbers Sullinger tallied came in the fourth quarter. He scored eight of his points in the final period and also dished out an assist, meaning he solely accounted for 10 of the team’s 28 points. Four of his nine rebounds were also hauled in during the fourth quarter.

Sullinger and his teammates could have folded, but the big man wouldn’t let it happen. He helped the team make a run and it was fun to watch.

Box Score Nuggets

Brandon Bass grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

The Celtics forced 25 turnovers.

Three 76ers scored at least 16 points, led by Thaddeus Young's 20.

Philadelphia outrebounded Boston 54-43.

Tony Wroten and Michael Carter-Williams tied for the game high in assists with six apiece.

The Celtics shot just 36.0 percent from the field.

Jared Sullinger led the Celtics with 19 points and also grabbed nine boards.

Jordan Crawford and Phil Pressey each shot 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.

Carter-Williams finished with the game's top plus/minus rating, at plus-21.

Philadelphia shot just 59.3 percent (16-of-27) from the free-throw line.

Pressey led the Celtics in assists, with five, for the second consecutive game.